Camden's third Give It A Go (GIAG) scheme to encourage disadvantaged local residents on benefits to take advantage of up to four months free gym membership finished at the end of April.

The initiative was a partnership between Camden council, NHS Camden, NHS London and three Sporta leisure trusts (Jubilee Hall Trust, GLL and Central YMCA) who operate centres in the Borough.

A total of 725 people registered for the scheme and were inducted into the gym at one of the five centres involved – The Armoury, Central YMCA, Swiss Cottage, Kentish Town and Oasis Leisure Centre. At the end of the four-month programme, 160 people (22%) were still active, which is a great achievement, especially considering that many of them had never used a gym before.

The GIAG scheme, originally launched in 2009, is targeted at the least active members of the local community, and this year has been nominated for the UK Active Spark of Innovation award!